Bibby + Brady Family & Music Room

Dael & I have been working with a fantastic Hawke's Bay family to transform their garage into a family/music room - a space for the whole family, and their friends, to enjoy. On first inspection it required a fair bit of imagination, as the garage had become a dumping ground for anything not used regularly. I took many photos that day, but these two will give you an idea of what we found...





Our brief was to turn the space into a games room where the family could bring their friends for movies, gaming, and just to hang out. With some talented musicians in the family, they also wanted a music room for jam sessions. It was pretty obvious that storage was essential for housing all that 'stuff' that naturally accumulates when you have children.




We recommended a built-in storage solution, not only to hide away all the bits and pieces, but also to divide the large garage into two separate areas. The old carpet was ripped up and the concrete floors were painted and varnished.




We fitted out the games room with sofas, a TV cabinet, and a rug from Big Save Furniture. Poufs by Bibby + Brady act as tables, foot stools, and extra seats.






We tucked a little computer nook at the far end of the storage cupboards, and the family table tennis table claimed the space behind it.






On the other side of the floor to ceiling cupboards is the music room. We painted this in a dark charcoal, a further way to divide the two spaces. Stevie Ray Vaughan helps to set the scene from the walls and provides inspiration for Joe and his mates.









Joe, Megs and their kids love the extension that the garage has provided their home. If you have a space in your home that needs some Bibby + Brady attention, we'd love to help you.



Autumn Salon

Happy Monday everyone. Here's hoping you all had a fantastic weekend. I certainly did, especially on Saturday night when I attended Autumn Salon, a beautiful evening put on by Aroha & Friends and FG Smith Eatery. You may remember I blogged about it here, a girl's night out to celebrate the change of season and to enjoy food, fashion, and music.




The scene was set when the invitations arrived in the mail with Tracey Tawhiao's amazing handprinted artwork.




On the night, more of Tracey's creations awaited us at Smiths - handprinted goodie bags, and stunning art pieces hung on the walls and from the ceiling.




We were treated to music by Sarah Bell and Brad Gamble (one of the few men allowed), and also Sarah Wigg, and poetry from Tracey Tawhiao. The food by FG Smith, which included five small tasting courses, was absolutely divine. And Sarah Bell swapped her bass guitar for a microphone to talk us through the fashion show she had put together. A brilliant stylist, Sarah had picked outfits for the two gorgeous models from Aroha's new season range, and also a new wearable collaboration by Melaina Newport of Aroha & Friends.




Thoroughly satisfied by the delicious food, and inspired by the fashion show, we were free to wander through Aroha & Friends for some retail therapy, and to see Nikki Gabriel's fabulous and colourful installation.




It was a fantastic night, and so well organised. Because it was so successful it's quite likely there'll be a Winter Salon - fingers crossed! I'll leave you with a few more images by Sarah Bell and Pam Tinning featuring Marie Drew - a fashion story showcasing just some of Aroha & Friend's winter collection. Pop instore or online to see more.



Favourite Finds

It's been my last full week (for a while) with small children knocking around my feet! My eldest child started intermediate this week, which has been a big, and, so far, very successful step. And my two little ones are back to school next week. We've had a great school holiday, and it's been another fantastic week for new discoveries...




Wallpaper is a big love of mine. What's not to love?! Colour and pattern, it's a piece of art that covers your whole wall. As soon as I saw this new Coco tiger wallpaper by Studio Lisa Bengtsson I knew I had to find a place for it in my home. I'm not sure where yet, but the pink wallpaper needs to be in my life!





My iPhone plays a big part in my life - keeping in touch with everyone, it's my little portable office, I play music on it, watch tv programmes, and, of course, take lots of photos. I was pretty excited when I spotted this cool smart phone attachable lens by Sony in the latest Lonny magazine.




The lens can either be attached to your phone or it can be separated from your device and controlled remotely with the help of NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity. I'd love to try it to see if it would really turn my phone camera into a fully fledged digital camera. What I do know is that it looks amazing in this white and gold version (also available in boring old black!).




While the sun continues to shine here in New Zealand, we're enjoying soaking up the rays and living outdoors as much as possible. These amazing Giant Cloud Cushions by Lujo are my idea of alfresco relaxation. Measuring a generous 1.3 x 1.3m or 1.3 x 1.75m, they are a totally decadent lounging experience, inside or out.




Made from super soft Sunbrella fabrics, a waterproof inner liner, and heavenly soft polyester fibre, they have a carry handle and a corner zip pocket to pop your iPhone or book in - how perfect, they've thought of everything!





Thanks to my three gorgeous tween girls, whose lives seem to be ruled by music these days, I have discovered and fallen in love with Uncle Jed. These three cousins won the 2013 Australia's Got Talent, which has just finished airing here in NZ. Beautiful, beautiful music, I am totally hooked. These three are massively talented and, as family, have an incredible connection which is evident in their performances.




Have an excellent weekend everyone, and take a few minutes to soak up these gorgeous sounds...